From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a stern warning to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), cautioning them against meddling in the affairs of the Labour Party (LP) and other political organisations.
This warning comes after recent attempts by the NLC to interfere in the LP’s internal matters.
In a letter dated July 31, 2024, from the Ministry’s Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations Department, the Ministry clarified the roles of the NLC and TUC concerning political activities.
The clarification follows a request from LP National Chairman Barrister Julius Abure, who had earlier reached out to the Ministry on July 10 to seek a definition of the NLC’s role.
The NLC has recently attempted to assert control over the LP, including a failed effort to breach the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja. Additionally, the NLC National Transition Committee (NTC) has been accused of undermining LP Chairman Abure’s authority and issuing conflicting directives to party members.
The Ministry’s letter, signed by Falonipe Amos, Director/Registrar of Trade Unions, cites Section 15 (1) (2) (3) of the Trade Unions Act Cap T14 & T15 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. This section prohibits the use of trade union funds for political purposes unless specifically allowed by union rules. The letter underscores that trade union funds should not be used for advancing political objectives, including supporting election candidates or organizing political meetings.
The Ministry reminded the NLC and TUC that any contravention of these regulations could result in legal consequences. It urged the NLC leadership to adhere to these provisions to avoid further conflict with the Labour Party and other political entities.
“If any of the funds of a trade union are applied to the furtherance of political objective in contravention of subsection (1) of this section the trade union and every official thereof shall be guilty of an offense under this Act”, the letter said.
The Ministry also reminded the NLC and the TUC the political objective for the purpose of this section, the Payment of any expenses incurred (whether directly or indirectly) by a candidate of prospective candidate for election to any political office in Nigeria or any part of Nigeria, being expense incurred before, during or after election in connection with his candidature or election.
Others are the holding of any meeting or the distribution of any literature or document in support of any such candidate or prospective candidate, the maintenance of any person while he holds in Nigeria or any part of Nigeria a political office to which he has been elected, the registration of electors in Nigeria or any part thereof.
And the holding of a political meeting of any kind or the distribution of political literature of political documents of any kind, unless the main purpose of the meeting or distribution is to further the regulation of the terms and conditions of the employment of workers.
“I wish to urge the leadership of NLC to be guided by the above provisions of the Trade Unions Act in dealing with the Labour Party and any other political parties”, the letter concluded.